[WeaversFiction] Digest Number 1035
There are 4 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [Fwd: The Man Gets What He Has Coming to him]
From: "Trina Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [DL-W] Taking care of business
From: lady_elf@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[DL-W] Jumping to Conclusions (JP)
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
4. [DL-W] Jumping to Conclusions (JP)
From: "Arlene at PatioMats.com" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
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Message: 1
Date: Sun, 3 Jul 2005 11:47:08 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Trina Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [Fwd: The Man Gets What He Has Coming to him]
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: The Man Gets What He Has Coming to him
From: Max Loga III <m_logaiii@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Date: Fri, July 1, 2005 2:00 pm
To: norwall <DL-N@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Day 8 Shortly after the dragons hatched
[snip]
Justin was flung backwards by an invisible force, landing hard on his
back.
And Malani's jaws snapped shut on empty air.
[end snip]
Selena was pu****ng her way through trying to get to the one man she
hated the most in the whole warren. The tall captain ggentlypushed on
of
the dragon's snouts a side." Excuse me ladies I'll take it from here."
The tall woman stated. most backed off Malani was the only one that
seemed to want to ffinishthe man off herself, but with some
cconvincingfrom Jeneve she too backed off.
As soon as the big reptiles where out of the way the home guard captain
walked right up too the big man and grabbed him by the collar with one
hand and hoisted him up. Sue opened her mouth to protest but Selena
held
up her hand." What ever your going to say in this so called man's
defense I don't want to hear it. He had this coming for a long time."
With that Sue just drop to her knees in defeat looking like she's about
to cry.
Justin just realizing what is going on pushed Selena away. He sneered
at
her." Get your hands off me woman." he spat.
The tall captain with out hesitating smacked the man with the back of
her hand. The sound from it was enough to make even the dragons wince."
I've had enough of you. The way you try women is just sickening. Do you
realize how close you came to certain death?!"
Seeing that all this is not getting through to the big brute she
roughly
shoved him towards the cave entrance pu****ng him and ordering him to to
puck up the pace every once in a while. As they left they where joined
buy two more guards. While the group headed for the holding area they
where meet by a crowd of people shouting. Telling him that they did not
want men like him around here. Saying that they should have let Malani
eat him." Nah!" one man who seems to be drunk all ready shouted," The
warren lady was probably more worried that he might give the queen and
upset stomach!" To which every one laughed including Selena and her
guards.
As they continued people stater throwing rotten food at Justin who was
in front. One of Justin's former drinking Bubbies walked right up to
him and spat in his face. The stable hand was about to deck the man but
the guards grabbed him and held him there.
The crowed parted when they saw Uncle walking through he walked right
up
to Justin drew back his fist and punched Justin with all his might
sending the man to the ground. As soon as Justin was on his back the
cook jumped on his and kept punching him until the guards pulled him
off. After that Uncle just turned and walked away.
Sara was watching from distance with a sword that she found after all
that happened in the hatching cave.
<Sara please don't.> came Harmony's plea,< It's wrong even though every
one says he deserves it.>
The young seamstress apprentice just ignored her dragon's cries and
charged forward ready to cleave her own father in two. Selena quickly
drew her sword and and disarmed Sara before she could get close enough.
Sara looked up at her hero in disbelief." Why?" was all the she asked.
[tag tree]
NRPG: Sorry I took so long to get this out. I think my modem is fried
so
I'm back to going to the library. Plus my new Gamecube seems to be
eating up allot of my time.lol Jim if your still there I would live to
see how Ranker reacts to his new neighbor.
---------------------------------
Yahoo! S****ts
Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football
[This message contained attachments]
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Message: 2
Date: Sun, 03 Jul 2005 19:02:02 -0500
From: lady_elf@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[DL-W] Taking care of business
"Faylen???"
Tatiana uttered an oath at the unexpected intrusion.
"In here, Barsel" Faylen called as she considered the grim task at
hand.
"I saw you leave the ball and I..." Barsel stopped short as he laid
eyes on
Corra's still body laying across the desk. "Is she..."
"Dead?" Quite," Tatiana replied. "You didn't bring anyone else with
you,
did you?"
"No..." Barsel regarded the trainer curiously.
"Good. Fewer that know the better."
"Merissa doesn't want to upset the guests," Faylen explained with an
apologetic smile to Barsel.
"That, too." Tatiana replied curtly as she took a closer look at
Corra's
corpse. Looking over at the two younger riders who were exchanging
confused glances, the trainer waved them forward.
"Take a look, what do you see? Tell me anything that strikes you as
odd."
"It looks like she died in her sleep, after only half a cup of tea."
Faylen
said. "She didn't finish her tea..."
"Good," Tatiana approved. "Now what else?"
"Well, there's the papers found under her." Faylen offered. She said no
more after getting a warning look from Tatiana.
"Yes, yes. That was our first clue that something was a'muck."
"I see no sign of a struggle," Barsel offered. And indeed there wasn't.
Both Faylen and Barsel looked and shook their heads. Neither of them
saw
what was apparent to the older rider.
"Take a look around the mouth and her finger tips."
"Don't all people turn blue when they die?" Barsel asked.
"Yes, Barsel, but there's more. Both of you look again.."
The two scrutinized the body again. Faylen was intrigued by the whole
process. It was rather like a game. And suddenly she saw it, and it was
like a light went on in her head which shone through the glint in her
amber
eyes. "I see it! There's a yellow cast as well. Look!"
"Ah yes," Barsel said even as Tatiana nodded her approval, "I see it
now,
too. Very faint."
"Now let's spread out and look around. But be careful not to disturb
anything." Tatiana instructed.
Faylen looked over as she saw Tatiana pour the contents of the cup into
a
jar and seal it. "You don't think it's the tea again, do you?"
"I don't think we're dealing with anyone that stupid, but we can't
leave it
to chance. I'm collecting anything that might be a clue and taking it
back
to the lab."
***
The three searched for several minutes. Many things were gathered,
including a plate of cookies from the kitchen, though nothing really
stood
out as unusual.
"So now what?" Barsel asked when they were finished.
"Now, we get old Corra here to the Med Center morgue." Tatiana said.
Barsel and Faylen exchanged horrified glances and looked back again to
Tatiana.
"Well, better now while everyone's distracted with the ball." the
trainer
explained.
The two women waited while Barsel went to get some sheets in which to
wrap
the body. Faylen kept looking at the room where Corra died. There was
something else she was missing, she was sure of it. She found her eyes
drawn again to the sofa.
"I don't think she was alone." Faylen mused.
"What makes you say that?" Tatiana asked, walking over to where the
blonde
junior queenrider was standing.
"The couch. There's a dent in the sofa cu****on. And, no disrespect
meant
for the dead, but it's a little small to apply to Corra's posterior."
Faylen blushed.
<<TAG Arlene and Andrew!>>
***
After evidence was taken to the lab and the body was settled in the
morgue,
the three investigators returned to the ball. After some time
struggling to
get the body onto Zinnia's back and then off it again, Faylen was a bit
disheveled from the effort, but too tired to care.
"Remember, smiles, this is a happy occasion," Tatiana reminded them
before
they entered the dining hall. Regarding the pair, the trainer smiled,
"You
both may want to straighten your hair and clothing, so no one gets the
wrong idea."
Hair and attire rearranged on both of them, Barsel opened the door and
let
Faylen through first, then took her arm and escorted her into the
dining hall.
"Faylen! Barsel!"
The pair stopped and turned to find Analise, Nerika and the royal bard
all
standing together with Latnem.
Faylen looked to Barsel uncomfortably, not really wanting to be at the
ball
to begin with let alone deal with Merissa's mother.
"Smiles!" she said, as much a reminder to herself as to Barsel as they
approached the trio of bards.
"I wondered where you wandered off to," Nerika said with a smile.
"We had a matter to attend to, at Merissa's request" Faylen explained.
"I'm sure you did" Analise replied insinuatingly.
The two looked at each other, confused by Analise's comment. But Latnem
came to the rescue.
"Yes, she told me that she asked you to inspect the new foals at the
stables. I trust all is well?"
Faylen smiled. Indeed it had been something she'd wanted to do earlier
but
hadn't had the time. She followed Latnem's lead. "Yes, quite. They are
absolutely lovely. There was a little concern over the smaller one, but
she'll pull through."
<<TAG Arlene and John!>>
*Day 17, early afternoon*
It was a new day in the warren. The new princess, Ari, was now
officially
stationed at the warren and soon the royals and nobles would be
returning
home. Faylen had to admit, as much as she hated the pomp and
cir***stance
that it was a thrill to mingle with the nobles and actually meet not
just
the king and Prince Reolden but Dragonlady Christalla as well.
Nevertheless, she was glad to return to warren life as usual, even if
it
meant sitting and filling requisitions.
<Wagons!> Shyla, who was off playing with her hatching mates, squealed
excitedly to Faylen. <There are wagons here, with people, and animals
in
cages! The other dragons say it's something called a carnival!>
<A carnival?> Faylen replied. This was news to her. She turned to
Merissa.
"Did you know that there is a carnival here?"
Merissa smiled, "I already sent Jael to greet them."
"Oh." A look of disappointment fell over the junior queenrider's face.
"But, you know, maybe it would be a good idea for a queenrider to greet
them as well, if you wouldn't mind?" Merissa offered.
"Really?" Faylen brightened. She caught herself and tried to contain
her
excitement. "I mean, are you sure you don't need me here?"
"Go on!" Merissa chuckled, "I look forward to hearing your re****t."
As Faylen left she saw Xanthia and another young woman heading into the
warren offices. She waved as she passed, but the two seemed too
preoccupied
to really notice.
***
"Look out!" Faylen called out, but it was too late she saw as the young
man
walked headlong toward Shyla. But it was too late, and the young man
ran
straight into the chest of the young queen.
<Shame on you!> Faylen scolded as the dragon chuckled to herself.
<What, I was just standing here!" Shyla protested.
<But you didn't have to enjoy it so!> Faylen retorted as she chased
after
the young man's retreating form.
She caught up with him just in time to see him ****mmying up a pole. She
looked upward to where the man had retreated.
"Hello???" She called out. "I'm Faylen, Junior Queenrider. That's my
queen
you ran into. I'm so sorry. Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," the young man hollered down.
"Are you with the carnival? The warrenlady sent me to check on the
carnival
for her."
"You need to see Bubba then," the man called down.
"Could you take me to him?"
<<TAG Josh and Arlene!>>
***
*Mid afternoon*
As Faylen headed back to the warren offices, she watched as Shyla and
the
other hatchlings played their game of air tag with amusement. But that
amusement turned to concern as Ursa suddenly began to keen with great
sorrow and Shyla then joined in the sorrowful cry as well.
<Shyla, my heart, what's wrong?> Faylen asked the young queen.
<A bear has been killed, and Ursa and her rider mourn. I don't want her
to
mourn alone,> the young queen replied as she moved over to snuggle and
comfort her blue sister.
***
Faylen walked in to find J'red and Merissa in the office talking. An
arrow
shaft lay on top of the warrenlady's desk. She approached the desk and
greeted the warrenlady and the wingleader.
"What's this?" she asked as she picked up the shaft.
"Xanthia, Dru'Kar and Oberon found a dead bear in the forest," Merissa
explained
"And this is the arrow that killed it?!?" Faylen asked, incredulous as
she
regarded the marking on the shaft and recognized it instantly.
"One of them yes," J'red began.
But before he could finish his sentence, he was brought to his knees
with a
grunt as Faylen's foot impacted with the wingleader's crotch.
"That's for senselessly killing a living creature and leaving it for
dead!"
Faylen ranted.
<<TAG Arlene!>>
*Late afternoon*
"Are we done for the day?" Faylen asked, looking at Merissa with an
urgent
look in her amber eyes after being contacted Shyla.
"Eager to go somewhere?" Merissa asked.
"The bear that was killed today? She had a cub. Shyla says Ursa's rider
Dru'Kar is looking for me to look at the wee one."
"Yes, certainly, go,"
"Oh, they also need a spit from the kitchen to cook the dead bear."
Faylen
added as she headed out the door.
<<TAG Arlene!>>
"Faylen!" Oberon called out to the approaching queenrider. as the two
walked back onto the green.
The boy held a small bundle in his arms. Even as she approached, she
saw
Dru'Kar meeting with some of the kitchen staff.
"I'll cook it," Dru'Kar insisted.
"That's fine," Zara replied, intimidated by the large man, "But let us
take
it to the kitchen and keep it cold until the pit is ready for you."
The man grunted his agreement and turned toward his eager charge.
"Faylen is here! Faylen's good with animals. She worked at the
stables."
Oberon chirped.
"I take care of all sorts of animals, not just horses," Faylen offered
reassuringly, lest the man have a doubt, "Come with me."
She led the pair to the stables and then into a building next door the
stables. She lit a lamp, and when the room was illuminated it revealed
several cages containing birds and one or two small wild animals.
"If you could show Oberon how to make milk for the cub." Dru'Kar asked.
Faylen went to a nearby goat that was tethered up and began milking
her.
"You start with goat milk, the mildest kind of milk there is. Even
human
babies can drink it."
The boy nodded and watched closely as Faylen then mixed in some
brewer's
yeast and some other herbs to enrich the formula, then poured some into
a
bottle much like the ones he'd seen mothers use to feed their infants.
"Tether, the squirrel that's taken to Gob, he was one of my charges. He
was
an orphan, too," Faylen explained "May I see the wee one?"
Oberon handed the cub over to Faylen. She unwrapped it from the blanket
and
set the cub on the counter where she began her examination.
"Eyes are clear, coat is good, nose is moist, and he is hungry" she
picked
the cub up to *** it and when she did the cub shot her with a stream of
urine, soaking her at the waist. "And this is most definitely a boy
bear,"
she added with a chuckle.
"He's healthy?" Dru'Kar asked
"Yes," Faylen chuckled, dabbing at her clothes with a towel, "He's
healthy. Everything works."
"Hear that, Dru'Kar? My bear is healthy!"
"So he's your bear, huh?" Faylen asked with amusement.
"Yup! He ran up to me, so Dru'Kar says we're bonded now."
"Oh, I see..." Faylen replied. She wondered how Th'rin and Merissa
would
react to their son's new pet. She handed the bear and the bottle over
to
Oberon and showed him how to angle it so the cub could nurse. "So what
are
you going to name your bear?"
The boy looked thoughtfully into the deep brown eyes of the nursing cub
he
now held in his arms.
"Argan," The boy announced decisively, "To honor my Nomad mother and
father."
<<TAG Keeper!>>
SUMMARY:
Day 16-Evening:
Faylen and Tatiana are joined by Barsel at Corra's apartment. The three
investigate and then take the body to the morgue and the evidence to
the
lab. They return to the ball in a disheveled state and the first people
they run into are Nerika, Analise, and the royal bard.
Day 17-Early Afternoon
Faylen goes to go check on the carnival herself, passing Xanthia and a
new
rider [Aeryth] as she leaves. She sees a young man [Matt] run into
Shyla,
and then searches him out to apologize and check on him as well as to
check
on the carnival. The young man tells her she needs to see Bubba and she
asks him to take her to him.
Mid-Afternoon
As Faylen heads back to the office, she hears Ursa keening. Shyla joins
in,
and tells her rider that Ursa's sad because a bear died. Shyla cuddles
and
comforts Ursa.
Faylen enters the warrenlady's office to find J'red and Merissa talking
about a bear that was shot and left for dead. When she recognized the
symbol on the shaft of the arrow which was one of the ones used to kill
the
bear, she assumes it was his arrow and kicks him in the crotch.
Late Afternoon.
Faylen goes to meet Dru'Kar and Oberon to help with the bear cub. She
is
happy to announce the bear cub is a healthy male and she teaches Oberon
how
to mix up a goat milk formula for the bear cub, which he tells her is
his.
Oberon names the cub Argan, after Aradia and Pa'gan.
Respectfully submitted by:
Morgan
a.k.a. Faylen, Shyla, and Oberon
lady_elf@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Amazon.com Wish List http://www.amazon.com/o/registry/AT4JWDUFRAML
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Message: 3
Date: Mon, 4 Jul 2005 01:53:11 -0400
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W] Jumping to Conclusions (JP)
Day 16
Evening
Tatiana smiled at the two younger riders and limped her way into the
dining hall.
Barsel quickly straightened his disheveled appearance, though he didn't
realize how he and Faylen appeared as they entered the dining hall.
Their entrance came at a quiet moment during which the prince was
talking, and it was with great embarrassment that Barsel noticed that
others had turned to look in their direction -- and were smiling. It
was worse when he heard:
[SNIP]
"Faylen! Barsel!"
The pair stopped and turned to find Analise, Nerika and the royal bard
all standing together with Latnem.
Faylen looked to Barsel uncomfortably, not really wanting to be at the
ball to begin with let alone deal with Merissa's mother.
[END SNIP]
Barsel felt his face redden and looked around quickly, not paying
attention to the conversation as he glanced about to see how many
people
had noticed them.
"So, Barsel, what did you think?" Nerika asked.
"Think?" Barsel blinked as suddenly he realized he had been included in
the conversation.
"About the little one?" Nerika smiled.
Barsel shook his head and felt his face begin to burn. He'd much prefer
to have been fighting a wraith battle! "Sorry... I... "
Analise smirked and muttered to Mahti, "...and I'm sure it wasn't a
mating flight."
Mahti snickered and grinned recalling how he'd first met the warrenlady
and her courier.
"But we tended to the foals..." Faylen's voice trailed off, trying to
stave off her embarrassment.
"I'm sure there was some 'horsing' around," Analise chortled.
"No, really, it was as Latnem said. It was the foals." Faylen really
wasn't even sure why she was embarrassed at their insinuations. It
wasn't that they did anything wrong. But, then it wasn't her
prerogative
to tell what they were about, even though it truly was warren business.
Barsel nodded, "Right... foals." He wanted to wipe the smirk off of the
master bard's face, but she was also the warrenlady's mother, so he
turned away and tried to pay attention to the proceedings. "Oh... is
that...? It is, look! It's the Dragonlady, Christalla!"
"The... The Dragonlady?" Faylen's face turned a deeper crimson still,
once she realized what a state she must look for the bards to be
carrying on so. She looked where Barsel pointed and there she was,
Dragonlady Christalla herself.
She looked back toward the door, there was no graceful exit.
"You aren't thinking of leaving again, are you?" Barsel felt Faylen's
hand slip from his elbow as she turned to look back from where they had
just come.
"You aren't nervous, are you?" Nerika laughed. "That's it, isn't it?
You didn't really have to check on the foals!" Nerika continued on,
"You left the party because you're afraid of crowds, and I bet Barsel
here went searching for you to bring you back, isn't that right?"
Analise's eyebrow rose in appreciation of Nerika's deduction. Perhaps
she had been a bit hasty in her analysis, seeing the girl's frantic
reaction. "You've nothing to worry about." Analise stated placidly,
"Christalla is quite nice; rather unassuming for a woman of such
im****tance, really."
Barsel smiled at Faylen as the petite junior queenrider brushed her
hand
frantically at her golden blonde hair, "You look fine. Really."
"Yes..." Faylen confessed. Well, it was true, if not the real reason
they left. She really didn't enjoy the crowds, She continued confessing
her discomfort, "And, well, all these *im****tant people*! Not just your
usual nobles - Lord Fowler's such a dear - but nobles from court, and
the Prince and now even the Dragonlady, Herself!"
Faylen turned to Barsel, "Are you sure I look fine? I don't want to
embarrass the warren."
He smiled warmly, "As far as I can see, you are the most beautiful
woman
here... You should be the belle of the ball."
There was a deeper hush as the Dragonlady began to speak:
[SNIP}
"Rise young Dragonrider." Christalla spoke in clear even tones. She
waited
for Ari to do so and smiled at her.
"Ari, do you swear to uphold the laws of the Dragonriders, to aid the
people
under your care and protection, to fight injustice, to donate your time
and
talents to the betterment of the people and your Warren?"
....
"I do my Lady." Ari answered back
....
"Lady Merissa, Warren lady of WhiteRiver Warren, Do you accept Ari as
one of
your Riders?"
"Yes WE do." She emphasized and she too felt the tears rush to her
eyes.
"Welcome Ari, Rider of Azhy, Dragonhealer of WhiteRiver." Christalla
announced.
[END SNIP]
Barsel shook his head in amazement. The girl wasn't going to take up
her titles? She wanted to stay and be a dragonhealer? He felt a deep
sense of shame wash over him as he realized how badly he had misjudged
her. When the applause started, Barsel found his release and whooped
loudly, as if trying to make up for all the hard times he had given
Ari.
Faylen applauded excitedly. "Yes!" she squealed, "I knew it would work
out somehow." She wanted to rush up and give Ari a big hug of
congratulations, but somehow that didn't seem very seemly. She made
note
that she'd have to wait and hug her to give her congratulations at a
more appropriate moment.
"Time to get back to work," Mahti chuckled and he led Analise and
Nerika
back to join the other musicians.
Barsel sighed with relief as he watched them leave, and then he smiled
in gratitude at Latnem, "Thanks for coming to our aid when we came in.
I didn't want people getting the wrong idea, though I suppose that
would
have been better than actually saying where we had been...." He bit his
tongue as he realized he had been about to tell Latnem where that was.
Latnem nodded, "I understand completely. It looks like everything
worked
out for the best all around."
"Yes, thank you." Faylen added. She sincerely hoped that the rest of
the
evening would be less eventful.
"If you will excuse me," Latnem bowed, and headed toward Xanthia and
Dru'Kar to check how his friend and patient was doing.
The direction that Latnem took wasn't lost on Barsel, as he escorted
Faylen closer to the dance floor. He watched the Prince and Ari spin
around the floor and then stop. It took him a moment to realize the
elderly man that Reolden passed Ari to must be her father. "Latnem
knows?" he asked Faylen softly.
Faylen nodded as Barsel put his arm about her and started to guide her
to the waltz. "Yes," she whispered, "He was there when Xanthia returned
and said Corra was..." She paused, catching herself from saying too
much, "So he and, well, those who were at the head table know. Though
who knows who may have been really paying attention?"
"Hopefully not many, though if they were at the head table, one would
hope they could be trusted. I get the impression that Tatiana would
prefer to keep this as quiet as possible, and not merely not to upset
any guests," Barsel glanced around, looking for someone of slight build
who might have been in the old healer's apartment. It gave him an odd
feeling to know that someone that could be there at the ball may have
witnessed the old woman die -- or perhaps even helped her along in the
process. His attention returned to the dance floor and he realized that
other dignitaries were now joining in. He saw Sheldon escorting Isabol
onto the floor and suddenly realized that the other junior queenrider
was standing beside him. People were looking and... with a blush,
Barsel bowed to Faylen, "May I have this dance?"
Faylen laughed gaily. She was finally starting to relax and enjoy
herself. Curtseying before him she replied, "Why certainly, kind sir!"
as she offered him her hand.
Barsel felt a surge of pride as he escorted her out onto the floor. He
wondered what his brothers back on the farm would think if they could
see him now... dancing among the nobility and the leaders of the
warren.
They spun gracefully around, and Barsel admired the way the dress that
Faylen was wearing flowed about her. He was now thankful that he had
been forced to attend those dance lessons that Sheldon had given. He'd
have to remember to thank J'red.... it was then that his eye caught
Jael's.
His former friend was glaring at him darkly. Jael mouthed, "Traitor."
And made a slicing motion with his finger across his neck.
Barsel felt his mouth go dry and he forgot where his feet should go...
and he stumbled. To avoid tearing Faylen's dress, Barsel stepped
backwards, right into the path of another couple, tripped over one of
their feet and fell.
"Barsel!" Faylen reached a hand down to help him up. "Are you okay? You
look like you've seen a ghost!"
He scrambled to his feet, angered and embarrassed, "Fine, I'm fine...
guess I should have paid better attention during dance lessons... come
on, let's get a drink."
Faylen followed Barsel, feeling concerned for her friend. He sure was
taking the fall awfully hard. Trips while dancing happened.
"It's all right," she told him. "As long as you're not injured."
"I'm fine," Barsel insisted. 'For now,' he thought, wondering what Jael
had meant.
"I'm glad," Faylen replied softly, though she had her doubts.
Barsel snatched up a tankard from the board and emptied it. Then he
closed his eyes as he let the heat of the alcohol warm and soothe him.
He let out a deep sigh before opening them again, only to look into the
concerned amber eyes of the petite junior queenrider. Shame washed over
him, yet again. He really didn't care about himself, but he had
probably embarrassed her in front of the entire warren. "I... I'm
sorry. I guess you should have had a better dance partner."
"Nonsense," Faylen reassured him. "But this," she took the empty
tankard
and moved it aside, "Isn't going to help lighten your feet any. Now why
don't we try to put this little mishap behind us?" Faylen smiled at him
reassuringly, fla****ng dimples as she did so.
Bolstered by the drink and her smile Barsel found himself smiling
again,
and even willing to risk further embarrassment out on the dance floor.
"Sure. Right. Let's dance." He took her hand and pulled her after
him.
Faylen wasn't sure this was such a good idea, but she followed Barsel's
lead.
"Whoa! Easy there," she gently warned as he twirled her across the
dance
floor. She looked across the room, her eyes locking on J'red, she
sighed, wi****ng he'd ask her to dance.
The floor was getting more and more crowded as others joined in as the
musicians began the next piece. Barsel maneuvered them toward the
center, away from watching eyes, but now they were being hemmed in on
all sides. He didn't know which was worse and as he glanced down at his
partner he could see a look of panic on her face and knew that they had
to get out of there.
"Barsel...?" Faylen began.
"How about some... air?" He suggested.
With relief, she nodded and she quickly turned to lead the way out of
the dining hall and into the garden. They were practically running by
the time they got there.
They were both breathless and gasping as they threw themselves onto a
bench. The emotions of the evening were overwhelming, and as Barsel
looked at Faylen he began to chuckle, and soon they were both laughing,
though he really couldn't say why. He put his arm around her and held
her tightly as they shook with laughter and tried to catch their
breath,
and before he even knew what he was doing, he kissed her.
---
[TAG: Morgie! -- a little surprise ending. ::grins::]
---
SUMMARY:
Day 16
Evening
Barsel escorts Faylen back to the dining hall after taking Corra's body
to the medical center. After a little bantering with the bards and
Latnem, Barsel asks Faylen for a dance. As they dance, Jael makes a
threatening motion toward Barsel, who becomes upset and leaves to the
dance floor to get a tankard of ale. Faylen's sup****t gives Barsel
confidence and they return to the dance floor, which unfortunately has
become too crowded. Faylen leads the way out of the hall and they end
up running to the garden; arriving out of breath and laughing. While
they are recovering, Barsel kisses Faylen.
---
Respectfully submitted by:
Morgan Allgood
AKA
Junior Queenrider Faylen, rider of Shyla
Latnem, rider of Caradoc
~and~
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
Barsel, rider of Aedris
Analise, Master Bard
Mahti, visiting Master Bard
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 4
Date: Mon, 4 Jul 2005 01:52:51 -0400
From: "Arlene at PatioMats.com" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W] Jumping to Conclusions (JP)
Day 16
Evening
Tatiana smiled at the two younger riders and limped her way into the
dining hall.
Barsel quickly straightened his disheveled appearance, though he didn't
realize how he and Faylen appeared as they entered the dining hall.
Their entrance came at a quiet moment during which the prince was
talking, and it was with great embarrassment that Barsel noticed that
others had turned to look in their direction -- and were smiling. It
was worse when he heard:
[SNIP]
"Faylen! Barsel!"
The pair stopped and turned to find Analise, Nerika and the royal bard
all standing together with Latnem.
Faylen looked to Barsel uncomfortably, not really wanting to be at the
ball to begin with let alone deal with Merissa's mother.
[END SNIP]
Barsel felt his face redden and looked around quickly, not paying
attention to the conversation as he glanced about to see how many
people
had noticed them.
"So, Barsel, what did you think?" Nerika asked.
"Think?" Barsel blinked as suddenly he realized he had been included in
the conversation.
"About the little one?" Nerika smiled.
Barsel shook his head and felt his face begin to burn. He'd much prefer
to have been fighting a wraith battle! "Sorry... I... "
Analise smirked and muttered to Mahti, "...and I'm sure it wasn't a
mating flight."
Mahti snickered and grinned recalling how he'd first met the warrenlady
and her courier.
"But we tended to the foals..." Faylen's voice trailed off, trying to
stave off her embarrassment.
"I'm sure there was some 'horsing' around," Analise chortled.
"No, really, it was as Latnem said. It was the foals." Faylen really
wasn't even sure why she was embarrassed at their insinuations. It
wasn't that they did anything wrong. But, then it wasn't her
prerogative
to tell what they were about, even though it truly was warren business.
Barsel nodded, "Right... foals." He wanted to wipe the smirk off of the
master bard's face, but she was also the warrenlady's mother, so he
turned away and tried to pay attention to the proceedings. "Oh... is
that...? It is, look! It's the Dragonlady, Christalla!"
"The... The Dragonlady?" Faylen's face turned a deeper crimson still,
once she realized what a state she must look for the bards to be
carrying on so. She looked where Barsel pointed and there she was,
Dragonlady Christalla herself.
She looked back toward the door, there was no graceful exit.
"You aren't thinking of leaving again, are you?" Barsel felt Faylen's
hand slip from his elbow as she turned to look back from where they had
just come.
"You aren't nervous, are you?" Nerika laughed. "That's it, isn't it?
You didn't really have to check on the foals!" Nerika continued on,
"You left the party because you're afraid of crowds, and I bet Barsel
here went searching for you to bring you back, isn't that right?"
Analise's eyebrow rose in appreciation of Nerika's deduction. Perhaps
she had been a bit hasty in her analysis, seeing the girl's frantic
reaction. "You've nothing to worry about." Analise stated placidly,
"Christalla is quite nice; rather unassuming for a woman of such
im****tance, really."
Barsel smiled at Faylen as the petite junior queenrider brushed her
hand
frantically at her golden blonde hair, "You look fine. Really."
"Yes..." Faylen confessed. Well, it was true, if not the real reason
they left. She really didn't enjoy the crowds, She continued confessing
her discomfort, "And, well, all these *im****tant people*! Not just your
usual nobles - Lord Fowler's such a dear - but nobles from court, and
the Prince and now even the Dragonlady, Herself!"
Faylen turned to Barsel, "Are you sure I look fine? I don't want to
embarrass the warren."
He smiled warmly, "As far as I can see, you are the most beautiful
woman
here... You should be the belle of the ball."
There was a deeper hush as the Dragonlady began to speak:
[SNIP}
"Rise young Dragonrider." Christalla spoke in clear even tones. She
waited
for Ari to do so and smiled at her.
"Ari, do you swear to uphold the laws of the Dragonriders, to aid the
people
under your care and protection, to fight injustice, to donate your time
and
talents to the betterment of the people and your Warren?"
....
"I do my Lady." Ari answered back
....
"Lady Merissa, Warren lady of WhiteRiver Warren, Do you accept Ari as
one of
your Riders?"
"Yes WE do." She emphasized and she too felt the tears rush to her
eyes.
"Welcome Ari, Rider of Azhy, Dragonhealer of WhiteRiver." Christalla
announced.
[END SNIP]
Barsel shook his head in amazement. The girl wasn't going to take up
her titles? She wanted to stay and be a dragonhealer? He felt a deep
sense of shame wash over him as he realized how badly he had misjudged
her. When the applause started, Barsel found his release and whooped
loudly, as if trying to make up for all the hard times he had given
Ari.
Faylen applauded excitedly. "Yes!" she squealed, "I knew it would work
out somehow." She wanted to rush up and give Ari a big hug of
congratulations, but somehow that didn't seem very seemly. She made
note
that she'd have to wait and hug her to give her congratulations at a
more appropriate moment.
"Time to get back to work," Mahti chuckled and he led Analise and
Nerika
back to join the other musicians.
Barsel sighed with relief as he watched them leave, and then he smiled
in gratitude at Latnem, "Thanks for coming to our aid when we came in.
I didn't want people getting the wrong idea, though I suppose that
would
have been better than actually saying where we had been...." He bit his
tongue as he realized he had been about to tell Latnem where that was.
Latnem nodded, "I understand completely. It looks like everything
worked
out for the best all around."
"Yes, thank you." Faylen added. She sincerely hoped that the rest of
the
evening would be less eventful.
"If you will excuse me," Latnem bowed, and headed toward Xanthia and
Dru'Kar to check how his friend and patient was doing.
The direction that Latnem took wasn't lost on Barsel, as he escorted
Faylen closer to the dance floor. He watched the Prince and Ari spin
around the floor and then stop. It took him a moment to realize the
elderly man that Reolden passed Ari to must be her father. "Latnem
knows?" he asked Faylen softly.
Faylen nodded as Barsel put his arm about her and started to guide her
to the waltz. "Yes," she whispered, "He was there when Xanthia returned
and said Corra was..." She paused, catching herself from saying too
much, "So he and, well, those who were at the head table know. Though
who knows who may have been really paying attention?"
"Hopefully not many, though if they were at the head table, one would
hope they could be trusted. I get the impression that Tatiana would
prefer to keep this as quiet as possible, and not merely not to upset
any guests," Barsel glanced around, looking for someone of slight build
who might have been in the old healer's apartment. It gave him an odd
feeling to know that someone that could be there at the ball may have
witnessed the old woman die -- or perhaps even helped her along in the
process. His attention returned to the dance floor and he realized that
other dignitaries were now joining in. He saw Sheldon escorting Isabol
onto the floor and suddenly realized that the other junior queenrider
was standing beside him. People were looking and... with a blush,
Barsel bowed to Faylen, "May I have this dance?"
Faylen laughed gaily. She was finally starting to relax and enjoy
herself. Curtseying before him she replied, "Why certainly, kind sir!"
as she offered him her hand.
Barsel felt a surge of pride as he escorted her out onto the floor. He
wondered what his brothers back on the farm would think if they could
see him now... dancing among the nobility and the leaders of the
warren.
They spun gracefully around, and Barsel admired the way the dress that
Faylen was wearing flowed about her. He was now thankful that he had
been forced to attend those dance lessons that Sheldon had given. He'd
have to remember to thank J'red.... it was then that his eye caught
Jael's.
His former friend was glaring at him darkly. Jael mouthed, "Traitor."
And made a slicing motion with his finger across his neck.
Barsel felt his mouth go dry and he forgot where his feet should go...
and he stumbled. To avoid tearing Faylen's dress, Barsel stepped
backwards, right into the path of another couple, tripped over one of
their feet and fell.
"Barsel!" Faylen reached a hand down to help him up. "Are you okay? You
look like you've seen a ghost!"
He scrambled to his feet, angered and embarrassed, "Fine, I'm fine...
guess I should have paid better attention during dance lessons... come
on, let's get a drink."
Faylen followed Barsel, feeling concerned for her friend. He sure was
taking the fall awfully hard. Trips while dancing happened.
"It's all right," she told him. "As long as you're not injured."
"I'm fine," Barsel insisted. 'For now,' he thought, wondering what Jael
had meant.
"I'm glad," Faylen replied softly, though she had her doubts.
Barsel snatched up a tankard from the board and emptied it. Then he
closed his eyes as he let the heat of the alcohol warm and soothe him.
He let out a deep sigh before opening them again, only to look into the
concerned amber eyes of the petite junior queenrider. Shame washed over
him, yet again. He really didn't care about himself, but he had
probably embarrassed her in front of the entire warren. "I... I'm
sorry. I guess you should have had a better dance partner."
"Nonsense," Faylen reassured him. "But this," she took the empty
tankard
and moved it aside, "Isn't going to help lighten your feet any. Now why
don't we try to put this little mishap behind us?" Faylen smiled at him
reassuringly, fla****ng dimples as she did so.
Bolstered by the drink and her smile Barsel found himself smiling
again,
and even willing to risk further embarrassment out on the dance floor.
"Sure. Right. Let's dance." He took her hand and pulled her after
him.
Faylen wasn't sure this was such a good idea, but she followed Barsel's
lead.
"Whoa! Easy there," she gently warned as he twirled her across the
dance
floor. She looked across the room, her eyes locking on J'red, she
sighed, wi****ng he'd ask her to dance.
The floor was getting more and more crowded as others joined in as the
musicians began the next piece. Barsel maneuvered them toward the
center, away from watching eyes, but now they were being hemmed in on
all sides. He didn't know which was worse and as he glanced down at his
partner he could see a look of panic on her face and knew that they had
to get out of there.
"Barsel...?" Faylen began.
"How about some... air?" He suggested.
With relief, she nodded and she quickly turned to lead the way out of
the dining hall and into the garden. They were practically running by
the time they got there.
They were both breathless and gasping as they threw themselves onto a
bench. The emotions of the evening were overwhelming, and as Barsel
looked at Faylen he began to chuckle, and soon they were both laughing,
though he really couldn't say why. He put his arm around her and held
her tightly as they shook with laughter and tried to catch their
breath,
and before he even knew what he was doing, he kissed her.
---
[TAG: Morgie! -- a little surprise ending. ::grins::]
---
SUMMARY:
Day 16
Evening
Barsel escorts Faylen back to the dining hall after taking Corra's body
to the medical center. After a little bantering with the bards and
Latnem, Barsel asks Faylen for a dance. As they dance, Jael makes a
threatening motion toward Barsel, who becomes upset and leaves to the
dance floor to get a tankard of ale. Faylen's sup****t gives Barsel
confidence and they return to the dance floor, which unfortunately has
become too crowded. Faylen leads the way out of the hall and they end
up running to the garden; arriving out of breath and laughing. While
they are recovering, Barsel kisses Faylen.
---
Respectfully submitted by:
Morgan Allgood
AKA
Junior Queenrider Faylen, rider of Shyla
Latnem, rider of Caradoc
~and~
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
Barsel, rider of Aedris
Analise, Master Bard
Mahti, visiting Master Bard
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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